Massive Protests Erupt Across Denmark and Greenland Over US Acquisition Proposals

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, a significant wave of public unrest swept through the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland. This widespread dissatisfaction came as a direct response to statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the potential establishment of American control over the island. In major Danish cities including Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, and Odense, as well as the Greenlandic capital of Nuuk, thousands of demonstrators gathered. They chanted the slogan "Hands off Greenland," a clear rebuttal to the geopolitical ambitions currently emanating from Washington.

These protests were triggered by the revival of Donald Trump’s interest in the territory, which he justifies through the lens of national security and the implementation of the "Golden Dome" missile defense project. According to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, the space-based component of this initiative could require an investment of up to $524 billion. While the idea of purchasing the island was first floated by Trump in 2019, its resurgence has reignited intense debates concerning sovereignty and the fundamental right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.

In Copenhagen, the focal point of the movement was a large rally held at the City Hall Square. During the event, Mayor Sisse Marie Welling addressed the crowd, asserting that "Greenland is not a commodity." Following the speeches, demonstrators marched toward the United States Embassy, prominently using the island's indigenous name, "Kalaallit Nunaat!" Poul Johansen, representing the "Hands off Kalaallit Nunaat" initiative, described the protest as a broader struggle, stating it was a fight not just for Greenland’s future, but for global stability.

The geopolitical climate grew increasingly tense following a meeting on January 14 between U.S. Vice President James David Vance, Secretary of State Mark Rubio, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt. The discussions ended without a resolution, highlighting a "fundamental divergence" between the parties. Shortly after, on January 15, the "Arctic Endurance" research group—comprising military experts from France, Sweden, and Norway—arrived in Greenland to evaluate military cooperation options in light of perceived Russian threats. Major General Søren Andersen of the Danish military emphasized that the potential threat from Russia remains a higher priority than any hypothetical American aggression.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen has publicly dismissed Trump’s ambitions, stating that if forced to choose between the United States and Denmark, the island would maintain its ties with Copenhagen. This sentiment was echoed in the U.S. by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, who reaffirmed that Greenland is an integral part of Denmark and a NATO ally, suggesting that the discussion should be closed. Despite this, Washington's pursuit of the island is driven by its strategic Arctic position, aimed at containing Russia and China while securing access to valuable natural resources. Current polling indicates that 85% of Greenland's population is firmly against joining the United States.

Amid escalating rhetoric, on January 17, Donald Trump announced the imposition of 10% tariffs on goods from several European countries—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—effective February 1, 2026, unless a deal on Greenland is reached. The tariff will then be increased to 25% effective June 1, 2026. He stated these economic measures would remain in place until a "complete and final purchase" is secured. Meanwhile, the "Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act" has been introduced in the U.S. Congress, though its passage in the Senate is viewed as unlikely. This unfolding situation continues to strain the foundations of the NATO alliance, as one member state threatens the territorial integrity of another.